Have you ever been in a forest alone? And have you ever heard of forest bathing? This is a simple yet powerful nature meditation. It is a method of meditation that is traced back to the 1980s in Japan. Originally, it is called Shinrin-yoku, which is roughly translated into “taking in the medicine or atmosphere of the forest.”
Forest bathing is a very simple meditation method. You will find yourself immersed in nature, and truly connecting with the surrounding things through your sense of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch.
Forest bathing can be considered as a meditation therapy. So what are the mental and physical benefits that this simple yet powerful meditation brings us?
• Developing a fresh viewpoint on trying circumstances. • Developing stress management abilities. • Increasing awareness of oneself. • Concentration on the now. • Reducing unfavorable feelings. • Increasing creativity and inventiveness. • Increasing tolerance and patience. • Better sleep • Stronger mental health
The famous naturalist John Muir once said that the clearest way into the universe
is through a forest wilderness and I couldn't agree more. My name is Michael Mortale and I'm
the director of the Kripalu Schools here at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in the
beautiful hills of western Massachusetts. Forest bathing is a very simple and powerful way to
reconnect with who we are in our natural setting and it's based on this crazy idea that being in
the woods is good for us. The practice of forest bathing is really simple. All you really need is
a place and a focus on the present moment and then begin to walk with an awareness of each step
and as you walk allow your senses to expand. Noticing the cool touch of the breeze,
perhaps noticing the sounds of the forest. Maybe there's birdsong,
the wind moving through the leaves, noticing the play of light through the canopy. As you
continue to move through, if you notice something that catches your eye, perhaps a beautiful tree
or a view, take an opportunity to stop and be with that experience. Allowing your
journey through the forest to unfold like life unfolds when we're present,
naturally, organically and without control. Sometimes we'll be surprised with the little
treasures that we'll find when we're fully present in the moment and not somewhere else in our minds
or our thoughts and that with each breath we're sharing the atmosphere with the trees and the
plants. That what you inhale is their exhalation, that what you exhale is their inhalation
and in so doing affirming your place within creation and allowing your journey to
take you where it will. Knowing that at any point you can come back and always in the practice
returning to where you started. Hopefully with a renewed sense of well-being, peace of mind
and an appreciation for the life of which you are a part.
